general-news — Crime-and-justice

Child's death in alligator attack leads to mother being accused of criminal negligence: Authorities

Hilda Vasquez was arrested on Sunday, accused of negligent manslaughter and abuse of juveniles by law enforcement officers.

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2025 September 16 . 2:42 PM

2 min read

Child dies in alligator attack; mother faces charges of negligent manslaughter, as per the police... — Child dies in alligator attack; mother faces charges of negligent manslaughter, as per the police report

Child's death in alligator attack leads to mother being accused of criminal negligence: Authorities

In a tragic turn of events, the mother of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez has been charged with negligent homicide and second-degree cruelty to juveniles. Bryan, who had a neurodevelopmental condition and was nonverbal, was last seen on Aug. 14 wearing an adult diaper. His body was found in a lagoon near his home nearly two weeks later on Aug. 26.

Hilda Vasquez, Bryan's mother, is currently in custody at the Orleans Parish jail. It is unclear if she has an attorney at this time. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is conducting an active and sensitive investigation into the case.

According to Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon, there was a "pattern" of negligence by Bryan's mother. The NOPD has not gone into detail about the "history" with the family that preceded Bryan's death or former allegations involving the family, stating that it is a "matter of court record." However, it is known that Bryan had previously been a victim of "trauma," as alleged by police.

The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office determined Bryan's cause of death was blunt trauma consistent with an alligator attack and drowning. Members of the United Cajun Navy located Bryan's body with the help of thermal drone technology. Wildlife officials have been requested to eradicate alligators in the body of water where Bryan was found.

The infant was removed from the home, but at some point, the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services returned him to the home. Notably, Bryan's mother, Hilda Vasquez, was previously convicted of abusing Bryan when he was 3 months old, causing a skull fracture, broken legs, and a collapsed lung.

The case is being reviewed by the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office. The NOPD has also launched an internal investigation into a five-hour delay in their initial response to the 911 call reporting Bryan missing. ICE has launched an immigration enforcement operation in Boston, but this fact is not directly related to the case at hand.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Bryan Vasquez, a young life taken too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.